Picture your favorite neighborhood farmers’ market, but instead of fruits and vegetables, every stall displays freshly caught fish on crushed ice. The Fishermen’s Market of North County transforms Oceanside’s coastal nook into a vibrant, open-air seafood haven. The fishy affair happens every Sunday from 8am to 2pm at the Oceanside Harbor Village—a fitting backdrop of sailboats, seagulls, and kayakers. The open-air market has been operating weekly since its inception in April last year. The team of seafood vendors is made up of Southern California’s dedicated commercial fishermen.

“Commercial fishing is a hard life. It’s more work than people realize,” says Krag Ross, a local fishing veteran of 20 years. “You’ve got to lift those fish and wind them all the way up, but it keeps you strong.” Ross and the other fishermen typically retrieve their catch on Saturday in preparation for the Sunday market, if not the morning of. Among the usual cod, flounder, tuna, and rockfish are a handful of eccentric sea creatures, such as sea urchins from Treses Seafood, skate from Oceanside Fish Co-Op, and a variety of deep-sea cold-water species.

The stretch of market vendors offer more than seafood. Marketgoers can shop from local brands and discover items like Calacas USA’s handcrafted wooden journals, Plant Life Nursery’s collection of house plants, or premium quality marinades from Sassy Sauces. Patrons can also sip on a smoothie or grab fried fish tacos and light bites while they browse.

The market’s mission is to deliver “quality products, exceptional service, and fun educational experiences for the whole family,” according to the official Fishermen’s Market website. It also offers a more sustainable way to shop, as it reduces transport and promotes small-scale fisheries. This weekly market also stays true to San Diego’s laid-back beach vibes, bringing the seaside port to life with the salty morning air and the distant clink of sailboat masts.

The market isn’t just about buying seafood, though. It’s about community, sustainability, and celebrating the region’s coastal roots. The Fishermen’s Market of North County is a chance to support local fishermen, shop ultra-fresh seafood straight from the source, and soak up the seaside charm of Oceanside Harbor. It’s a Sunday morning ritual that connects locals and visitors alike to the hardworking hands behind the catch.

Oceanside Harbor Village

320 Harbor Dr., Oceanside

» fishermensmarket.co/market

Originally published in issue 78.